Shrimp Scampi

Shrimp Scampi

A timeless Italian-American classic that comes together in under 30 minutes. Plump, juicy shrimp are sautéed in a rich, garlicky butter-wine sauce with a bright hit of lemon and fresh parsley, then tossed with perfectly cooked linguine. Elegant enough for company, easy enough for a weeknight dinner.

4 servings · Prep 15 min · Cook 15 min · Total 30 min

Main Course

  • 1 tsp kosher salt for seasoning shrimp
  • 0.25 tsp black pepper freshly ground
  • 0.25 tsp red pepper flakes adjust
  • 4 tbsp unsalted butter divided
  • 2 tbsp olive oil extra-virgin
  • 6 cloves garlic thinly sliced
  • 2 tbsp fresh lemon juice from about 1 lemon
  • 1 tsp lemon zest
  • 0.25 cup fresh parsley roughly chopped
  • 0.25 cup pasta cooking water reserved before draining
  • 1 tbsp kosher salt for pasta water
  • 0.25 cup grated Parmesan cheese for serving
  • 1 whole lemon cut into wedges, for serving
  • 1 piece crusty bread for serving

Equipment

  • Stovetop
  • Mixing Bowl
  • Skillet
  • Pot
  • Paper Towel
  • Wooden Spoon
  • Measuring Cups
  • Plates
  • Spatula
  • Knife
  • Pan
  • Tongs
  • Measuring Spoons
  • Cutting Board
  • Grater
  • Colander

Instructions

  1. Bring a large #[Pot] of water to a boil. Add ~[1 tablespoon] of @[Kosher Salt], then cook the linguine according to package directions until al dente. Before draining, scoop out at least ~[1/2 cup] of @[Pasta Cooking Water] and set aside. Drain the pasta and set aside.
  2. While the pasta cooks, pat the shrimp thoroughly dry with paper towels — this is key for a good sear. Season with ~[1 teaspoon] @[Kosher Salt], @[Black Pepper], and @[Red Pepper Flakes]. Toss to coat evenly.
  3. Heat a large #[Skillet] over ^[medium-high heat]. Add ~[2 tablespoons] of @[Butter] and the @[Olive Oil]. Once the butter is melted and foaming, add the shrimp in a single layer. Cook undisturbed for about ~[1–2 minutes] until pink and lightly golden on the bottom.
  4. Flip the shrimp and cook for another ~[1 minute] until just opaque. Do not overcook — they should be barely cooked through at this stage. Transfer the shrimp to a plate and set aside.
  5. Reduce the heat to ^[medium]. Add the remaining ~[2 tablespoons] of @[Butter] to the same #[Skillet]. Once melted, add the sliced @[Garlic] and cook, stirring frequently, for about ~[1–2 minutes] until fragrant and just lightly golden — watch closely so it doesn't burn.
  6. Pour in the white wine and @[Lemon Juice]. Increase the heat to ^[medium-high] and let the sauce simmer, scraping up any browned bits from the bottom of the pan, for about ~[2–3 minutes] until the liquid reduces by about half.
  7. Add the drained pasta to the #[Skillet] and toss to coat in the sauce. Splash in ~[2–4 tablespoons] of the reserved @[Pasta Cooking Water] to loosen the sauce and help it cling to the noodles. The starchy water is the secret to a silky, emulsified sauce.
  8. Return the shrimp (and any resting juices) to the pan. Add the @[Lemon Zest] and half the @[Parsley]. Toss everything together over ^[medium heat] for about ~[1 minute] until the shrimp are heated through and everything is well coated.
  9. Taste and adjust seasoning with @[Kosher Salt], @[Black Pepper], or a squeeze more @[Lemon Juice]. Divide among warmed bowls, top with remaining fresh @[Parsley], and serve immediately with @[Lemon] wedges and @[Crusty Bread] on the side. @[Parmesan Cheese] is optional but welcome.